How to Get a Vanity Plate in New Jersey

Personalizing your vehicle with a custom license plate is a popular way to express your individuality. In New Jersey, these “vanity plates” allow you to create a unique combination of letters and numbers that reflects your personality, interests, or sense of humor. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the process, from checking the availability of your desired plate to understanding the associated costs and restrictions.

How to Apply for Vanity Plates in New Jersey

Acquiring a personalized license plate in New Jersey involves a straightforward process, though the method varies slightly depending on whether your vehicle is owned or leased. The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) offers both online and mail-in options to accommodate all drivers.

How to Apply Online for Owned Vehicles

Step 1: Access MyMVC Portal. Log in to your MyMVC account on the NJMVC website.

Step 2: Initiate Application. Navigate to the personalized plates section and begin the application process.

Step 3: Check Availability & Submit. Enter your desired plate combination to check its availability. If available, proceed with the application and payment. This method streamlines the process for most vehicle owners.

How to Apply for Vanity Plates on a Leased Vehicle

• Step 1: Contact Special Plates Unit. Since online applications are not accepted for leased vehicles, you must contact the NJMVC’s Special Plates Unit directly by phone (contact information available on the NJMVC website) to initiate the process.
• Step 2: Obtain Permission Letter. Secure a permission letter from your leasing company, as this is a mandatory requirement.
• Step 3: Complete Application. Follow the instructions provided by the Special Plates Unit to complete the necessary forms.

Mail-In Application for New Jersey Vanity Plates (for all vehicle types):

• Step 1: Download Form SP-1. Obtain the “Application for Personalized License Plates” (Form SP-1) from the official NJMVC website.
• Step 2: Complete and Prepare. Fill out the form accurately and include a check or money order for the required fee, payable to the NJMVC.
• Step 3: Mail Application. Send the completed form and payment to the Special Plate Unit at the address provided on the form.

How to Check New Jersey Vanity Plate Availability

One of the most common questions is how to check if a desired combination is available. Unlike some states, New Jersey does not offer a public-facing, instant lookup tool for New Jersey personalized license plates availability without an account. The official method to confirm if your chosen letters and numbers are available involves the following steps:

1. Log In to MyMVC Account: Access your MyMVC account on the official NJMVC website.
2. Initiate Personalized Plate Application: Begin the application process for a personalized plate.
3. Enter Desired Combination: Input your preferred combination of letters and numbers into the system.
4. Check Availability: The system will then indicate whether your desired combination is available. If it is, you can proceed with the application and payment to secure your reservation. All requests are handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and a reservation is only confirmed once the application and payment are officially filed.

New Jersey Vanity Plate Fees and Costs

Before you apply, it’s important to understand the financial commitment and creative constraints involved in getting a New Jersey custom plate. The cost structure is designed to be a one-time expense for as long as you maintain your vehicle’s registration.

Fee Type	Cost	Description
Initial Application Fee	$50	A one-time fee for standard personalized plates .
Reactivation Fee	$50	Applies if the vehicle registration has been expired for over two years .
Reissue Fee	$50	Charged if the plates are transferred to a different owner .
Specialty Plate Fees	Varies	Dedicated or organizational plates (like handicap plates) often have an initial fee plus an annual renewal fee.

When designing your plate, you must adhere to specific formatting rules. All personalized plates in NJ must contain a minimum of three letters and are limited to a maximum of seven total characters, which can be a combination of letters and numbers. It is important to note that punctuation marks and symbols are not permitted. Each character, including spaces, occupies one of the seven available slots.

Character Limits and Formatting Rules for NJ Vanity Plates

The NJMVC reserves the right to reject any application for a vanity plate that is deemed offensive or inappropriate. While the state receives thousands of creative requests, it also denies many each year to maintain a standard of decency on the road. According to a 2023 report, the NJMVC rejected over 1,400 applications in the previous year for various reasons.

The primary restrictions include:

• Combinations that are profane, lewd, or sexually suggestive.
• Language that could be considered hate speech or discriminatory.
• References to illegal drugs or criminal activity.
• Combinations that could be mistaken for official government or law enforcement plates.

Furthermore, state law prohibits the issuance of personalized plates to individuals with certain convictions within the last ten years, including driving under the influence (DUI) and reckless driving. A conviction for death by vehicular homicide results in a permanent ban .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

New Jersey vanity plates offer a unique way to add a personal touch to your vehicle. By understanding the application process, costs, and restrictions, you can navigate the system with confidence. While it requires some patience due to manufacturing times and a bit of creativity to find an available and appropriate combination, the result is a one-of-a-kind identifier that is uniquely yours. Always ensure your desired plate adheres to the state’s guidelines to ensure a smooth and successful application.